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Anthony Bourdain has a complicated relationship with Boston. On some level, the chef and silver-haired host of "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" hates the place because he grew up a Yankees fan in New Jersey. But on another level, he loves the the city, especially as exemplified in "The Friends of Eddie Coyle," the '70s crime novel by George V. Higgins. "It's one of the most important books of my life," says Bourdain. "And the Peter Yates film is pitch perfect. It's (Robert) Mitchum's finest hour." So when Bourdain came to town a few months ago to shoot an espisode of the Travel Channel show, he wanted to explore Boston's soft, mostly-white underbelly. The show, which airs Monday at 9 p.m., is not the usual best-of food show. "This is working-class cuisine, a lot of grinders, chowder, and drinking," said Bourdain. "We ate really well and we drank superbly...I just fell in love with the bars we went to." (Stops included the Galley Diner, Michael's Deli, O Senhor Ramos, L Street Tavern, and Quencher Tavern.) The soundtrack of the show was written by Bourdain's buddy, Mike Ruffino, the bassist for long-ago Boston rockers, The Unband. (The host told us he also tried to license the Modern Lovers's tune "Roadrunner," but the cost was too high.) Finally, we had to ask Boudain about the Red Sox's early struggles. "Honestly, I like the idea of having a worthy adversary, so I hope they win," he said. "I hate to see them beat the Yankees, but I cried real tears of joy when they finally won the World Series." Here's a snippet of the show for you.

About this blog

Mark Shanahan joined The Boston Globe in
2003, having worked previously at the Portland Press Herald, where he
covered City Hall, and the Lewiston Sun-Journal, where he was the
education reporter. A Northampton native and graduate of Bates College,
Shanahan enjoys the usual - books, music, movies, etc. - as well as the
unusual. shanahan@globe.com
Follow on Twitter: @GlobeNames, @MarkAShanahan

Meredith Goldstein has worked for the Globe since 2003, covering
everything from nightlife to New Kids. She keeps her eyes peeled for
celebrity juice, and also writes Love Letters, a Boston.com blog for
hopeful (and hopeless) romantics. Meredith chats about love problems
every Wednesday at 1 p.m. If you see Justin Timberlake or someone like
him at a local eatery, please e-mail her immediately. mgoldstein@globe.com
Follow on Twitter: @GlobeNames, @MeredithGoldste